Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will urge the European Union to adopt measures to mitigate rising energy costs during the European Council summit in Brussels, scheduled for Thursday and Friday. As EU leaders gather to discuss pressing issues such as economic pressures, energy security, and the ongoing war in Ukraine, Mitsotakis plans to advocate for targeted and temporary support for households and businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, in response to energy price surges linked to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Emphasizing the need to maintain fiscal stability, Mitsotakis will also highlight the importance of enhancing cross-border energy connections and completing the EU’s internal energy market. Greece views the current energy crisis as a signal of Europe’s competitiveness challenges and stresses the necessity of bolstering energy security while adhering to long-term climate commitments.
On the topic of the EU’s next long-term budget, Greece will resist further reductions in funding allocated for regional development and agriculture. The Greek government contends that expanding priorities, such as defense, security, and innovation, demand increased financial resources. Additionally, Greece is open to the introduction of new EU revenue sources, provided they do not disproportionately impact less-developed economies.
Mitsotakis is also anticipated to endorse a merit-based approach to EU enlargement, while opposing any attempts to tie membership negotiations to changes in the bloc’s decision-making procedures. Migration will be another focal point for Greece, as the country advocates for stronger protection of the EU’s external borders and the establishment of a common European mechanism to address sudden spikes in migration.